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What is the Diocesan Synod?

The Diocesan Synod is the largest and most representative governing body in a diocese and operates at the highest level of overview. It contributes to setting direction by acting as a sounding board and forum for debate and giving higher level approval.

The Diocesan Synod brings together elected clergy and lay representatives from our parishes within the Diocese's eight deaneries.

The Rt Revd Libby Lane, Bishop of Derby, is the Diocesan Synod president.

The term of office of the current Diocesan Synod ends on Wednesday, 31 July 2024, therefore the Diocese of Derby must elect a new Diocesan Synod from among its clergy and laity.

Diocesan Synod elections 2024 - 2027

The next triennial elections to Diocesan Synod will take place from April to July 2024.

The Diocese of Derby must elect a new Diocesan Synod from among its clergy and laity. The Presiding Officers of each deanery are:

• Carsington Deanery - Phil Michell (PO for Laity Election), Peter Walker (PO for Clergy Election), Deanery Administrator – Claire Critchlow
• Derby City Deanery - Sarah Watson (PO for Laity Election), Madelaine Goddard (PO for Clergy Election), Deanery Administrator – Kelly Martin
• Dove and Derwent Deanery - James Hughes (PO for Laity Election), David Legh (PO for Clergy Election), Deanery Administrator – Claire Critchlow
• Hardwick Deanery - Karen Bradley (PO for Laity Election, John Atkin (PO for Clergy Election), Deanery Administrator – Ailsa Cooling
• Mercia Deanery - Mike Firbank (PO for Laity Election), Maggie Fenby-Taylor(PO for Clergy Election), Deanery Administrator – Debbie Patrick
• North East Derbyshire Deanery - Daniel Cooke (PO for Laity Election), Christine Holmes-Elener (PO for Clergy Election), Deanery Administrator - Jacqueline Clayton
• Peak Deanery - David Mundy (PO for Laity Election), Christine McMullen (PO for Clergy Election), Deanery Administrator – Eileen Burt
• South East Derbyshire Deanery - Phil Selby (PO for Laity Election), Brian Parker (PO for Clergy Election), Deanery Administrator – Revd Helen Bridger

For impartiality, Lay colleagues will act as Presiding Officers of the Clergy elections, and Clergy colleagues as Presiding Officers of the Lay elections.

The electors are members (other than currently co-opted members) of the House of Clergy and the House of Laity of the Deanery Synods of the Diocese.

For more information or if you have a query, email: elections@derby.anglican.org.

Who can stand?

Clergy and lay people stand separately for Houses of Clergy and Laity. The House of Laity is made up of lay people; church members who are not bishops, priests, or deacons.

All licensed clergy and church members on an electoral roll can stand for election (lay members do not need to be a current Deanery Synod or Parochial Church Council (PCC) member).

We particularly encourage applications from the following groups, who are currently underrepresented on Diocesan Synod and in Diocesan Governance, to put themselves forward for nomination to Diocesan Synod:

• Eligible UK Minority Ethnic/Global Majority Heritage (UKME/GMH) members of clergy and representatives of the laity
• Eligible youth representatives (minimum 16 years)

What is an electoral roll and how do I get on it?

An electoral roll is the list of electors at a church. In the same way that being on the civic electoral roll allows you to vote in parliamentary and local elections and referenda, joining a church electoral roll means that you can vote on church matters, attend the Annual Parochial Church Meeting (APCM) and stand for election to the PCC (Parochial Church Council) and Deanery Synod.

You can speak to your PCC Secretary, churchwardens or vicar about how to get on the electoral roll.

Who can nominate and elect members?

Deanery Synod members. This includes current Diocesan and General Synod members who are ex-officio Deanery Synod members.

A deanery is a collection of parishes across a wider area. In the Diocese of Derby, there are eight deaneries. The Deanery Synod is the part of the synodical system between the PCC and Diocesan Synod, elected to represent parishes.

What deanery am I in?

If you are unsure which deanery you are in, please speak to your PCC Secretary, churchwardens or vicar who will be able to inform you.

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How many members can be elected?

Elected places for Diocesan Synod are in proportion to the number of clergy and church members in that deanery. If a larger number stand than there are places for, an election is required. Additionally, the synod has bishop’s nominees, ex-officio and co-opted members.

Election timetable

12 April 2024 - Nomination forms and notices distributed

27 May 2024 - Nominations close

6 June 2024 - Ballot papers issued

26 June 2024 - Closing date for return of ballot papers

3 July 2024 - Election count results

Term of office

1 August 2024 to 31 July 2027

What is the time commitment?

Diocesan Synod meets three times a year in March, June and October on a Saturday morning. Breakfast is available, and the meeting ends at lunchtime.

In March 2025, we are looking to trial a midweek evening virtual Synod.

What’s expected from members?

Members participate in small group discussions , provide feedback, can speak in debates and vote on decisions. They are supported in reporting back to Deanery Synod and PCCs. Members have the opportunity to join other key committees and working groups, including Bishop’s Council.

What gets discussed?

The Diocesan Synod considers matters relating to the work and mission of the Church of England. It formulates diocesan policy on a wide range of issues, advises the bishop and is consulted by them, and  contributes to and approves the diocese’s plans and budget.

For example, in the upcoming period, we will have focus on our diocesan vision and strategy, the measures we are taking towards Carbon Net Zero 2030 and eco-diocese, revision of the Common Fund formula and discussions around Living in Love and Faith.

The bishop gives an address at every meeting. Reports, business and motions are brought from boards and teams in the diocese (eg Education, Ministry Development) and from Deanery Synods. Matters are also referred from the General Synod.

Will I understand the meeting procedures?

Although there are set procedures involved in parts of meetings to help manage participation, we work hard to ensure meetings are informal, participatory and accessible. We make sure that rules and processes are explained – in writing and on the day – and that members are inducted  and supported effectively.

All representatives for 2024 will received an information booklet that provides more details about the workings of the synod and how the meetings are structured.

What about my accessibility needs and expenses?

We continue to develop measures in relation to papers and resources, venues, audio-visual elements and worship to ensure that the Diocesan Synod is inclusive as possible. We are keen to support individual needs and receive further recommendations. Please contact Amanda Shreeve at amanda.shreeve@derby.anglican.org if you would like to discuss further. Travel expenses and childcare arrangements will be supported for meetings.